By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines –The provincial governmentβs Environmental Awareness and Education Month celebration culminated in an awarding ceremony led by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO) at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center on December 4,2025.
This yearβs observance carried the theme βKalikasan ay Buhay, Ating Mahalin, Hamon ng Klima Sama-samang Harapinβ.
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In the Search for βMakakalikasang Barangay,β Barangay Malabing of Kasibu was declared champion in the upland category and received a cash prize of β±50,000. Barangay Canabuan in Aritao placed first runner-up with β±40,000, while Barangay Busilac in Bayombong took third place and received β±30,000.
In the lowland category, Barangay Poblacion of Villaverde was named champion and awarded β±50,000. Barangay Poblacion of Kasibu placed first runner-up, and Barangay Gabut of Dupax del Sur was second runner-up, receiving β±40,000 and β±30,000 respectively.
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For the βPasiklaban sa Proyektong Makalikasanβ competition, which featured various secondary schools across the province, Dippog National High School of Quezon took first place for its βProject MRF-Careβ (Materials Recovery Facility for Campus Action and Responsible Ecology) and received β±30,000.
Sta. Fe National High School placed second with its βPlasti-Bric: Converting Plastic Waste into Sustainable Construction Eco-Brixβ project and received β±20,000.
Bintawan National High School secured third place and a β±10,000 prize for its βPlastic KaBagβ or Plastic Litter Alleviation Through Sustainable Thermo-forming and Innovation for Climate Action: Kalingang Bag Against Waste.
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In the βSayawit para sa Kalikasanβ competition, Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School (NVGCHS) emerged champion and received a β±30,000 cash prize. Muirwoods Academy Inc. placed first runner-up with a β±20,000 prize, while Bagabag National High School finished as second runner-up and received β±10,000.
Consolation prize winners in all three competitions each received β±5,000.
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According to Acting Environment and Natural Resources( ENR) Officer Forester Arlene S. Tarranco, the month-long celebration also included synchronized tree planting activities, a βpulot basuraβ clean-up drive, and an environmental symposium on climate change.
Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, in his message during the program, urged united action in the face of the climate crisis.
βLet us face the climate change with unity, courage and hope. When we act together, small steps become powerful solutions. Protecting nature is protecting life itself,β Gambito said.
